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Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

This Non-Disclosure Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of by and between of (hereinafter referred to as "Disclosing Party") and of (hereinafter referred to as "Receiving Party"). This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of .

WHEREAS, the Disclosing Party possesses certain confidential and proprietary information ("Confidential Information") that the Disclosing Party is willing to disclose to the Receiving Party for the purpose of ;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

  1. Definition of Confidential Information: Confidential Information shall include, but not be limited to:
    • Business plans, strategies, and financial information;
    • Marketing strategies and customer lists;
    • Product designs, technical specifications, and software code;
    • Trade secrets and proprietary processes.
  2. Obligations of the Receiving Party: The Receiving Party agrees to:
    • Maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Information;
    • Not disclose any Confidential Information to any third party without prior written consent;
    • Use the Confidential Information solely for the purpose stated above;
    • Implement reasonable safeguards to protect the Confidential Information.
  3. Exclusions from Confidential Information: Confidential Information does not include information that:
    • Was already known to the Receiving Party prior to the disclosure;
    • Is or becomes publicly available through no fault of the Receiving Party;
    • Is disclosed to the Receiving Party by a third party without breach of any obligation of confidentiality;
    • Is independently developed by the Receiving Party without the use of or reference to the Confidential Information.
  4. Term: This Agreement shall commence on the date first above written and shall continue for a period of years.
  5. Return of Materials: Upon termination of this Agreement, the Receiving Party shall promptly return or destroy all materials containing Confidential Information.
  6. Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of .
  7. Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior discussions and agreements.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Non-Disclosure Agreement as of the date first above written.

Disclosing Party:

Signature: ___________________________

Name:

Title:

Receiving Party:

Signature: ___________________________

Name:

Title:

Common mistakes

Filling out a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA) can be a straightforward process, but many individuals make mistakes that can lead to complications down the road. One common error is failing to clearly define the information that is considered confidential. Without a specific description, it becomes challenging to enforce the agreement and protect sensitive information.

Another mistake is neglecting to include the duration of the confidentiality obligation. It is essential to specify how long the NDA will remain in effect. If this timeframe is omitted, parties may find themselves in disputes about whether the obligation still applies after a certain period.

Many people also overlook the importance of including all relevant parties in the NDA. If a key individual or entity is not mentioned, they may not be bound by the agreement, which can undermine its effectiveness. Always ensure that everyone involved in handling the confidential information is listed.

Additionally, some individuals fail to consider the governing law of the agreement. This can lead to confusion about which state’s laws apply if a dispute arises. Specifying the governing law helps to clarify how the NDA will be interpreted and enforced.

Another frequent oversight is not addressing the consequences of a breach. An NDA should outline what happens if one party fails to uphold their end of the agreement. This can include legal remedies, financial penalties, or other actions that can be taken in response to a violation.

People often make the mistake of using vague language in the NDA. Clear and precise wording is crucial to ensure that all parties understand their obligations. Ambiguities can lead to misinterpretations and may weaken the enforceability of the agreement.

Some individuals also forget to include a clause for dispute resolution. Outlining how disputes will be handled—whether through mediation, arbitration, or litigation—can save time and resources if conflicts arise later.

Moreover, failing to review the NDA with legal counsel is a common error. Even if the form seems straightforward, having a legal professional review the document can help identify potential issues and ensure that the agreement meets all necessary legal standards.

People sometimes neglect to keep a signed copy of the NDA for their records. This can lead to confusion or disputes about the terms of the agreement. Always ensure that all parties retain a copy for future reference.

Lastly, some individuals rush through the signing process without fully understanding the implications of the NDA. It is crucial to take the time to read and comprehend the terms before signing. Rushing can lead to unintended commitments that could have been avoided with a little more diligence.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA) form, certain practices can help ensure that the process is smooth and effective. Below are guidelines on what to do and what to avoid.

  • Do: Read the entire agreement carefully to understand your obligations and rights.
  • Do: Provide accurate and complete information in all sections of the form.
  • Do: Seek clarification on any terms that are unclear before signing.
  • Do: Keep a copy of the signed agreement for your records.
  • Don't: Rush through the form without understanding its implications.
  • Don't: Omit any details that could be relevant to the agreement.
  • Don't: Sign the document if you feel pressured or uncertain about its terms.
  • Don't: Share confidential information before the NDA is signed.

Similar forms

  • Confidentiality Agreement: Similar to a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA), this document focuses on keeping sensitive information private between parties. Both agreements establish a duty to protect confidential information.
  • Mutual Non-disclosure Agreement: This type of NDA is used when both parties share confidential information. It ensures that both sides are equally obligated to maintain secrecy.
  • Employment Agreement: Often includes confidentiality clauses, this document outlines the terms of employment while protecting the employer's sensitive information from being disclosed by the employee.
  • Partnership Agreement: In partnerships, confidentiality is crucial. This agreement often contains provisions to protect trade secrets and proprietary information shared between partners.
  • License Agreement: When granting rights to use intellectual property, this document may include confidentiality provisions to protect the licensor's proprietary information.
  • Service Agreement: Service providers often sign these agreements, which may include clauses to protect any confidential information they access while performing their services.
  • Consulting Agreement: This document typically includes confidentiality obligations for consultants, ensuring they do not disclose sensitive information obtained during their work.
  • Joint Venture Agreement: When two or more parties collaborate on a project, this agreement often includes confidentiality provisions to protect shared sensitive information.
  • Research Agreement: In academic and corporate settings, this document may outline confidentiality obligations related to research findings and proprietary data shared among collaborators.